To implement USB 3 support on Windows 7 using Boot Camp, download and install the Windows Support Software (drivers). See Boot Camp: Frequently asked questions about installing Windows 8 for more information. USB 3 is supported natively in Windows 8. Is USB 3 supported in Windows 7 and 8 using Boot Camp? However, you won't get USB 3 speed and power may be limited to 500mA. Your device should be backwards-compatible with USB 2 ports. What happens if I plug my USB 3 device into a USB 2 port? If you plug in a USB 2 hub first, all devices connected or 'daisy-chained' to that hub will operate up to the maximum transfer rate of USB 2 speed (480 Mbps).

What happens if I plug in a USB 2 device into the USB 3 port first? The first device you plug in will configure the port, so always connect USB 3 capable hubs or devices first. How do I get the best performance from the USB 3 ports? Hubs that conform to what is commonly referred to as the '2008 version 1 USB 3.0 specification' are supported. All USB ports on Macs that supports USB 3 are USB 3 capable and do not have blue inserts.Īll devices that conform to what is commonly referred to as the '2008 version 1 USB 3.0 specification' are supported.

Some manufacturers use a blue insert to designate a USB 3 port or device. Why don't I see blue inserts on my Mac Pro 2013's USB ports? Some USB computer ports have a blue insert. You'll need to use a USB 3 cable to use the 900mA of power available. Yes, USB 3 devices can use up to 900mA of power (compared to 500mA used by USB 2 devices).

USB 1.1 can transfer data up to 12 Mbps.ĭoes USB 3 offer more power than USB 2 ('High-Speed USB')?.

USB 2 can transfer data up to 480 Mbps.

What transfer rates are offered with USB 3? USB 3 (also known as 'SuperSpeed USB') is the latest USB standard which offers significant performance improvements over USB 2 ('Hi-Speed USB'). Learn more about using USB 3 ports and devices on the new Mac Pro 2013. In our previous post Tech Series Part 2, we talked about What's Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2, why are they important, today in Part 3 of a 6 part series we will talk about Using USB 3 devices. There’s a lot of excitement about the new Mac Pro 2013 and there should be: it's the first redesign of the workhorse Mac in seven years.

Mac pro usb 3 card